Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Counter Curse
Saturday came quickly. The sun was shining, and all the third years and up were excited about traveling to Hogsmeade. Especially Hermione.
She wanted more than anything to have some time to just be herself and have a lot of fun. Unfortunately, for the last few days, none of that had been going on.
Saturday morning, the sun was shining bright and everyone looked serene. Hermione woke to the sound of Pig hooting at her neck. She got up and gave the owl a little kiss on the cheek before standing and stretching.
Then Hermione walked to her window. She opened the curtains. Hermione entered her bathroom and took a quick shower.
She walked to her chest and pulled out a long skirt made of silky light purple material. Then she took out a white full sleeved shirt. When she finished dressing, Hermione made sure to put on a heavy cloak, in order to stay safe from the wicked weather.
Hermione finished lacing her dragon hide boots and walked out of her dormitory and landed right in the middle of much noise and laughter in the common room.
"It's so early! How can all of you be up?" Hermione exclaimed laughing, as she made her way through a few third years.
Ginny saw her at once and gave a bright smile.
"Well, if we're at all lucky, we'll be staying at Hogsmeade all day, and that just makes me way happy! I'll get to spend tons of time with Seamus Finnigan, my dream," Ginny told Hermione, sighing.
"Well, I hope your dream comes true Ginny," Hermione replied with a smile.
"Wish me luck!" Ginny exclaimed as Hermione floated away.
"Hermione, oh dear," Neville said unpleasantly.
"What's bothering you now Neville?" Hermione asked with a worried look.
"Marcus, my brother. He's a first year," Neville began.
"Yes, I know that. Do continue," Hermione said.
"Well, he's having a bit of trouble with his Astronomy. I was trying to explain it to him, but I think I just messed it up even more."
"Well, don't worry about it Neville. I'll be happy to tutor Marcus whenever I'm available. Mind you, I'm already tutoring you this evening – er, if we get back from Hogsmeade in time. If we don't, then I'll tutor you first thing tomorrow morning. Just make sure to schedule a time that works for both Marcus and me. See you later," Hermione called, walking towards Parvati and Lavender, out of her own will.
"Well, well, well," Parvati said snottily.
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked with a slightly annoyed look on her face.
"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. Like you didn't know," Parvati replied shortly.
"You know Parvati. For someone so beautiful, you're really rotten on the inside. Good thing I listened to that expression, 'Never Judge a Book by its Cover'. Otherwise I'd be head over heels trying to please you. But I'm not as stupid as that. Not like – some – people," Hermione said, motioning to Lavender who blushed brightly.
"Actually, I hang out with Parvati because she's my friend. I have some friends. Why don't you try to get some instead of following Harry around like a sick puppy," Lavender retorted.
"I don't even want to talk about that. Are you guys too blind to see that he doesn't want YOU guys following him around like sick puppies? Maybe, just maybe, you'll realize that the reason he actually pays attention to me is because I DON'T follow him around like a sick puppy. But maybe my suspicions are correct. Maybe you're too blind – and too stupid – to see that he doesn't crave girls hanging on his every word. I guess we'll never know," Hermione replied carelessly.
Why did I even try to be friends with them? I don't get myself sometimes. Oh well...
"Hermione! Hermione Granger! This way please!" McGonagall called as she walked into the Gryffindor common room.
"What is it Professor?" Hermione asked.
"I have something for you. It's nothing really. Just a little thank you gift for those lovely pictures you gave me. It's a little bit late... but I guess I thought I'd like to give it to you anyway," Professor McGonagall said with a weary smile.
"It's lovely Professor," Hermione squealed, pulling a leather bound diary, with her name engraved in it, out of a bag filled with colorful tissue and a tricky little charm, making the bag shine and shimmer.
"Well, with all that's been going on, I dare say you need a place to keep all your thoughts. I thought I'd give you the perfect Muggle device, a diary. I also thought about giving you a Pensive. Dumbledore disagreed. He said that if you'd really like one, you can find them in Hogsmeade. They cost a bit, I'm sure, but I think that it isn't too much. If you'd like one, then you can get it. Permission is granted from me. Don't let the other students know. I'm only letting you have one because – well, because I guess you are my favorite student."
'Thanks so much Professor! Even a Muggle device means a lot coming from you. Thanks again. I've got to run. I see Ron and Harry."
"I see you haven't given up on Harry..."
"Not all the Prophecies in the WORLD could change my mind about me liking Harry. No prophecy will stand between us!"
Minerva McGonagall watched Hermione scurry away, and to herself she thought – Voldemort's power is strong enough a Prophecy to create a curse between you and Harry forever – and to all your loved ones. Be careful Hermione. May the power of magic be with you – forever...
~*~
"Super! New flavors of Every Flavor Beans! I can't wait to try them," Cassandra exclaimed with rosy cheeks, and so much powder and blush that parts of her scars were covered up.
"I'm glad you're feeling better," Hermione replied giggling.
"So am I! I'm ever so glad that Madam Pomfrey let me come to Hogsmeade with you guys. I don't think I would have been able to stand it if she made me stay in the Hospital and everyone else came to Hogsmeade and had a barrel of fun. That would just be too much, even for silly little Cassandra Nicole Taylor," Cassandra said to all three of them.
Ron had already paid for a package of his sweets and was now nibbling on the newest brand (he didn't dare try buying the assorted package). It was called Vanilla Craze.
"This is so good!" Ron exclaimed.
"Let me have one," Cassandra urged.
Ron took one out of the can and plopped it into Cassandra's mouth.
Cassandra closed her eyes dreamily and said, "Mm..."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and Harry laughed.
~*~
When Hermione got back to her dormitory, she slipped on flannel pajamas with clouds all over them on a sky background. She split her hair down the middle and made two braids, tying light blue ribbons to each braid. She grabbed a pair of socks and her nighttime slippers. Finally she slipped on a robe and got settled at her desk with her new diary.
It was almost midnight, but Hermione could hear laughter outside. She dipped her quill in ink and began to write.
Diary Entry # 1
Dear Diary,
Hello, My name is Hermione Granger. Isn't that too formal for a diary? Well, I think I'll skip the introduction and just talk to you. Professor McGonagall gave you to me this morning, and now its night. I'm going to write quite a bit, so beware me, diary.
I had a blast with Harry, Ron, and Cassandra today. I'm glad that Cassandra's feeling better. Ron and Cassandra have certainly hit it off. I'm glad that Cassandra's made better friends here, instead of the ones she had back in New York. Like Donavon for example. I'm glad I didn't have to talk to him much. He had no business asking me out, when he didn't even know me very well.
I've known Harry for years now, and he was shy about asking me. That's true character. Not to say that you shouldn't ask someone out if you think it's true love...
Professor McGonagall is working on the counter-curse for Harry. I hope she gets it soon. The sooner, the better, as the old saying goes.
Cassandra hasn't come back in yet so I think that I will go out to the common room for a while and see what everyone is up to. It's really noisy in there. Well, goodbye for now.
Sincerely, Hermione Granger
"Well, that's done with," Hermione said to herself.
She put the diary in a drawer next to her bed and clutched the robe around her as she walked outside.
"Hermione! What have you been doing in there all by yourself? The party's just started!" Cassandra exclaimed gleefully.
"I was preoccupied," Hermione told her.
All seventy Gryffindor students were in the common room in their pajamas. Cassandra's were hot pink and made of a silky material that attracted everyone's attention, considering her robe was bright orange.
"You love making a sensation, don't you Cassi?" Hermione asked laughing.
"It's what I do best!" Cassandra exclaimed with a wink.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Have a chocolate frog Hermione," Harry said.
"Thanks Harry," Hermione replied.
She took a chocolate frog from Harry and opened it up to see Merlin's wise face winking across the card. Then Merlin suddenly disappeared.
"Well, that was friendly," Hermione said with a giggle.
"I'll have it if you don't want it. I collect them," Ron said.
Hermione passed the card to Ron and shook her head.
"What's wrong with liking Chocolate Frog cards?"
"Nothing Ron. Absolutely nothing..."
~*~
Sunday morning came with delightful news.
Professor McGonagall rushed Dobby to Hermione's dorm with a message telling Hermione to come directly to her office.
Hermione was curious. She didn't know if she should be grateful or worried. It had been a long time (or so it seemed) since there was any talk of the counter-curse and Hermione supposed that this could be the big break everyone was waiting for. She thought that finally, Professor McGonagall and her committee of charm breakers would have found the counter-curse so that Harry and Hermione could be on their way to battle Voldemort.
Hermione grabbed her slippers and robe that were lying on the ground at the foot of her bed. She pulled them on and crept out of the Portrait Hole to Professor McGonagall's office.
"What is it? Have you found it?" Hermione squealed once she saw McGonagall's face.
McGonagall's eyes were shining, something that rarely happened.
"Oh, tell me it's true!" Hermione exclaimed nervously.
"It is! We've found it!" McGonagall replied.
Hermione swung her arms around McGonagall's neck and gave her a hug. McGonagall was a bit overwhelmed with Hermione's sudden burst of emotions and returned the hug reluctantly.
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked, pushing a strand of hair out of her eager face.
"He's coming. We sent Dobby for him after he got you," McGonagall replied quickly.
"Good, good," Hermione murmured.
"So, what is it?" she asked.
"I'm waiting for Harry to come before I explain that much," McGonagall told Hermione, unable to hide a grin.
"Not fair!" Hermione squealed.
"Well Hermione, for once I can honestly say, 'I know something you don't know'!" McGonagall teased.
"Teacher's are supposed to be role models and encouraging. Right now you are doing neither," Hermione scolded.
McGonagall feigned horror.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed in mock terror.
"I'll be replacing you any day now. Just kidding," Hermione added seeing McGonagall's mock terror turn into real terror with the blink of an eye.
"I should hope so," McGonagall retorted.
"There's Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry rushed into Professor McGonagall's office looking confused.
"Dobby called me. Er, am I supposed to be here?" he asked, half asleep.
"Get over here Harry Potter! This is good news!" Hermione insisted.
Harry saw Hermione and walked over to where she was, leaning on her shoulder from behind her as McGonagall began to speak in a clear, loud voice.
"After days and days AND days of working, I believe that we have finally found the counter curse that will give Harry enough power over Voldemort, so that Harry has the increased chance of beating him," McGonagall began.
"Been there, done that. Get to the point Professor!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Don't rush me Hermione. Maybe I won't tell you at all..." McGonagall joked.
"How can you be goofing off at a time like this?" Hermione asked unbelievably.
"Okay, fine. I'll get serious," McGonagall replied, a bit ashamed of her behavior.
She walked to her desk, and pulled open a drawer.
She picked up the bracelet – and laid it on her desk.
It laid there, cold and solid, for Hermione and Harry to peer into, who were both afraid and unsure of the coming facts.
They would have to just sit there and wait. Wait, until McGonagall explained everything to them
Saturday came quickly. The sun was shining, and all the third years and up were excited about traveling to Hogsmeade. Especially Hermione.
She wanted more than anything to have some time to just be herself and have a lot of fun. Unfortunately, for the last few days, none of that had been going on.
Saturday morning, the sun was shining bright and everyone looked serene. Hermione woke to the sound of Pig hooting at her neck. She got up and gave the owl a little kiss on the cheek before standing and stretching.
Then Hermione walked to her window. She opened the curtains. Hermione entered her bathroom and took a quick shower.
She walked to her chest and pulled out a long skirt made of silky light purple material. Then she took out a white full sleeved shirt. When she finished dressing, Hermione made sure to put on a heavy cloak, in order to stay safe from the wicked weather.
Hermione finished lacing her dragon hide boots and walked out of her dormitory and landed right in the middle of much noise and laughter in the common room.
"It's so early! How can all of you be up?" Hermione exclaimed laughing, as she made her way through a few third years.
Ginny saw her at once and gave a bright smile.
"Well, if we're at all lucky, we'll be staying at Hogsmeade all day, and that just makes me way happy! I'll get to spend tons of time with Seamus Finnigan, my dream," Ginny told Hermione, sighing.
"Well, I hope your dream comes true Ginny," Hermione replied with a smile.
"Wish me luck!" Ginny exclaimed as Hermione floated away.
"Hermione, oh dear," Neville said unpleasantly.
"What's bothering you now Neville?" Hermione asked with a worried look.
"Marcus, my brother. He's a first year," Neville began.
"Yes, I know that. Do continue," Hermione said.
"Well, he's having a bit of trouble with his Astronomy. I was trying to explain it to him, but I think I just messed it up even more."
"Well, don't worry about it Neville. I'll be happy to tutor Marcus whenever I'm available. Mind you, I'm already tutoring you this evening – er, if we get back from Hogsmeade in time. If we don't, then I'll tutor you first thing tomorrow morning. Just make sure to schedule a time that works for both Marcus and me. See you later," Hermione called, walking towards Parvati and Lavender, out of her own will.
"Well, well, well," Parvati said snottily.
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked with a slightly annoyed look on her face.
"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. Like you didn't know," Parvati replied shortly.
"You know Parvati. For someone so beautiful, you're really rotten on the inside. Good thing I listened to that expression, 'Never Judge a Book by its Cover'. Otherwise I'd be head over heels trying to please you. But I'm not as stupid as that. Not like – some – people," Hermione said, motioning to Lavender who blushed brightly.
"Actually, I hang out with Parvati because she's my friend. I have some friends. Why don't you try to get some instead of following Harry around like a sick puppy," Lavender retorted.
"I don't even want to talk about that. Are you guys too blind to see that he doesn't want YOU guys following him around like sick puppies? Maybe, just maybe, you'll realize that the reason he actually pays attention to me is because I DON'T follow him around like a sick puppy. But maybe my suspicions are correct. Maybe you're too blind – and too stupid – to see that he doesn't crave girls hanging on his every word. I guess we'll never know," Hermione replied carelessly.
Why did I even try to be friends with them? I don't get myself sometimes. Oh well...
"Hermione! Hermione Granger! This way please!" McGonagall called as she walked into the Gryffindor common room.
"What is it Professor?" Hermione asked.
"I have something for you. It's nothing really. Just a little thank you gift for those lovely pictures you gave me. It's a little bit late... but I guess I thought I'd like to give it to you anyway," Professor McGonagall said with a weary smile.
"It's lovely Professor," Hermione squealed, pulling a leather bound diary, with her name engraved in it, out of a bag filled with colorful tissue and a tricky little charm, making the bag shine and shimmer.
"Well, with all that's been going on, I dare say you need a place to keep all your thoughts. I thought I'd give you the perfect Muggle device, a diary. I also thought about giving you a Pensive. Dumbledore disagreed. He said that if you'd really like one, you can find them in Hogsmeade. They cost a bit, I'm sure, but I think that it isn't too much. If you'd like one, then you can get it. Permission is granted from me. Don't let the other students know. I'm only letting you have one because – well, because I guess you are my favorite student."
'Thanks so much Professor! Even a Muggle device means a lot coming from you. Thanks again. I've got to run. I see Ron and Harry."
"I see you haven't given up on Harry..."
"Not all the Prophecies in the WORLD could change my mind about me liking Harry. No prophecy will stand between us!"
Minerva McGonagall watched Hermione scurry away, and to herself she thought – Voldemort's power is strong enough a Prophecy to create a curse between you and Harry forever – and to all your loved ones. Be careful Hermione. May the power of magic be with you – forever...
~*~
"Super! New flavors of Every Flavor Beans! I can't wait to try them," Cassandra exclaimed with rosy cheeks, and so much powder and blush that parts of her scars were covered up.
"I'm glad you're feeling better," Hermione replied giggling.
"So am I! I'm ever so glad that Madam Pomfrey let me come to Hogsmeade with you guys. I don't think I would have been able to stand it if she made me stay in the Hospital and everyone else came to Hogsmeade and had a barrel of fun. That would just be too much, even for silly little Cassandra Nicole Taylor," Cassandra said to all three of them.
Ron had already paid for a package of his sweets and was now nibbling on the newest brand (he didn't dare try buying the assorted package). It was called Vanilla Craze.
"This is so good!" Ron exclaimed.
"Let me have one," Cassandra urged.
Ron took one out of the can and plopped it into Cassandra's mouth.
Cassandra closed her eyes dreamily and said, "Mm..."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and Harry laughed.
~*~
When Hermione got back to her dormitory, she slipped on flannel pajamas with clouds all over them on a sky background. She split her hair down the middle and made two braids, tying light blue ribbons to each braid. She grabbed a pair of socks and her nighttime slippers. Finally she slipped on a robe and got settled at her desk with her new diary.
It was almost midnight, but Hermione could hear laughter outside. She dipped her quill in ink and began to write.
Diary Entry # 1
Dear Diary,
Hello, My name is Hermione Granger. Isn't that too formal for a diary? Well, I think I'll skip the introduction and just talk to you. Professor McGonagall gave you to me this morning, and now its night. I'm going to write quite a bit, so beware me, diary.
I had a blast with Harry, Ron, and Cassandra today. I'm glad that Cassandra's feeling better. Ron and Cassandra have certainly hit it off. I'm glad that Cassandra's made better friends here, instead of the ones she had back in New York. Like Donavon for example. I'm glad I didn't have to talk to him much. He had no business asking me out, when he didn't even know me very well.
I've known Harry for years now, and he was shy about asking me. That's true character. Not to say that you shouldn't ask someone out if you think it's true love...
Professor McGonagall is working on the counter-curse for Harry. I hope she gets it soon. The sooner, the better, as the old saying goes.
Cassandra hasn't come back in yet so I think that I will go out to the common room for a while and see what everyone is up to. It's really noisy in there. Well, goodbye for now.
Sincerely, Hermione Granger
"Well, that's done with," Hermione said to herself.
She put the diary in a drawer next to her bed and clutched the robe around her as she walked outside.
"Hermione! What have you been doing in there all by yourself? The party's just started!" Cassandra exclaimed gleefully.
"I was preoccupied," Hermione told her.
All seventy Gryffindor students were in the common room in their pajamas. Cassandra's were hot pink and made of a silky material that attracted everyone's attention, considering her robe was bright orange.
"You love making a sensation, don't you Cassi?" Hermione asked laughing.
"It's what I do best!" Cassandra exclaimed with a wink.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Have a chocolate frog Hermione," Harry said.
"Thanks Harry," Hermione replied.
She took a chocolate frog from Harry and opened it up to see Merlin's wise face winking across the card. Then Merlin suddenly disappeared.
"Well, that was friendly," Hermione said with a giggle.
"I'll have it if you don't want it. I collect them," Ron said.
Hermione passed the card to Ron and shook her head.
"What's wrong with liking Chocolate Frog cards?"
"Nothing Ron. Absolutely nothing..."
~*~
Sunday morning came with delightful news.
Professor McGonagall rushed Dobby to Hermione's dorm with a message telling Hermione to come directly to her office.
Hermione was curious. She didn't know if she should be grateful or worried. It had been a long time (or so it seemed) since there was any talk of the counter-curse and Hermione supposed that this could be the big break everyone was waiting for. She thought that finally, Professor McGonagall and her committee of charm breakers would have found the counter-curse so that Harry and Hermione could be on their way to battle Voldemort.
Hermione grabbed her slippers and robe that were lying on the ground at the foot of her bed. She pulled them on and crept out of the Portrait Hole to Professor McGonagall's office.
"What is it? Have you found it?" Hermione squealed once she saw McGonagall's face.
McGonagall's eyes were shining, something that rarely happened.
"Oh, tell me it's true!" Hermione exclaimed nervously.
"It is! We've found it!" McGonagall replied.
Hermione swung her arms around McGonagall's neck and gave her a hug. McGonagall was a bit overwhelmed with Hermione's sudden burst of emotions and returned the hug reluctantly.
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked, pushing a strand of hair out of her eager face.
"He's coming. We sent Dobby for him after he got you," McGonagall replied quickly.
"Good, good," Hermione murmured.
"So, what is it?" she asked.
"I'm waiting for Harry to come before I explain that much," McGonagall told Hermione, unable to hide a grin.
"Not fair!" Hermione squealed.
"Well Hermione, for once I can honestly say, 'I know something you don't know'!" McGonagall teased.
"Teacher's are supposed to be role models and encouraging. Right now you are doing neither," Hermione scolded.
McGonagall feigned horror.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed in mock terror.
"I'll be replacing you any day now. Just kidding," Hermione added seeing McGonagall's mock terror turn into real terror with the blink of an eye.
"I should hope so," McGonagall retorted.
"There's Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry rushed into Professor McGonagall's office looking confused.
"Dobby called me. Er, am I supposed to be here?" he asked, half asleep.
"Get over here Harry Potter! This is good news!" Hermione insisted.
Harry saw Hermione and walked over to where she was, leaning on her shoulder from behind her as McGonagall began to speak in a clear, loud voice.
"After days and days AND days of working, I believe that we have finally found the counter curse that will give Harry enough power over Voldemort, so that Harry has the increased chance of beating him," McGonagall began.
"Been there, done that. Get to the point Professor!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Don't rush me Hermione. Maybe I won't tell you at all..." McGonagall joked.
"How can you be goofing off at a time like this?" Hermione asked unbelievably.
"Okay, fine. I'll get serious," McGonagall replied, a bit ashamed of her behavior.
She walked to her desk, and pulled open a drawer.
She picked up the bracelet – and laid it on her desk.
It laid there, cold and solid, for Hermione and Harry to peer into, who were both afraid and unsure of the coming facts.
They would have to just sit there and wait. Wait, until McGonagall explained everything to them